Malloy: Connecticut will deny gun permits to anyone on government watch lists

By Christine Stuart ctnewsjunkie.com

Published
1:12 pm EST, Thursday, December 10, 2015

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy

Photo: Christine Stuart — CT News Junkie

Photo: Christine Stuart — CT News Junkie

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Gov. Dannel P. Malloy

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy

Photo: Christine Stuart — CT News Junkie

Malloy: Connecticut will deny gun permits to anyone on government watch lists

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Gov. Dannel P. Malloy wants the federal government to give him access to its “watch lists” so he can deny gun permits to individuals who are on those lists.

The executive order Malloy is hoping to be able to sign once the U.S. Department of Justice gives him the green light would require those who apply for a permit to be checked against government watch lists.

Assault weapons already are outlawed in Connecticut, so Malloy’s executive order would additionally prevent an individual on the list from purchasing a handgun, ammunition, shotgun, or a rifle.

Malloy said he’s been in touch with officials at the White House and is in the process of getting access to federal watch lists. It’s unclear when he may receive an answer.

Connecticut’s governor, who was sworn in last week as the head of the Democratic Governors Association, said he started conversations with White House officials last week after Congress failed to act. At a press conference Thursday outside his Capitol office, he said he was unaware of any other governor moving in this direction.

“If Congress will not act, we in the states will,” Malloy said, adding that it’s “basic, common sense.”

“If you cannot fly due to being on a government watch list, you should not be able to purchase a firearm while on that watch list as well,” Malloy said.